Whilst I adore going over to Bath to teach lampshade-making at The Makery and here at my home, I really wanted to bring the course here to my home town of Bristol. Et voila! I will be teaching at the Bristol Folk House on Sat 30th June, 10-1. Be quick – there are 10 places only and it’s extremely good value at just £28.25.

My first ever lampshade-making tutorial went brilliantly well at The Makery in Bath last week. I felt surprisingly confident and well prepared. My nerves hardly surfaced, even when faced with making the biggest, most humungous lampshade ever (more on that another time). Each lovely lady let their style shine through with their choice of fabric and each went home with a beautiful lampshade, lovingly made by their own fair hands. And on time too! Having to explain processes in a clear way was a difficult at times, but once I was able to show the students what I meant the tricky bits were clarified to everyone’s satisfaction. What always surprises me is the ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaaahs’ and ‘isn’t it beautiful’ when a flat piece of material and PVC is rolled into the final drum shape of a lampshade. It’s a transformation that elicits much astonishment, even though it’s an obvious step!

In contrast to teaching eight people, earlier this week I took a one-to-one tutorial at my home in Bristol with a lady who had travelled from Cornwall to learn all about lampshades. She hopes to expand the upholstery business she works at and offer their Interior Design clients the option to buy bespoke lampshades. She got the very best information – all the bits and bobs that I wasn’t able to convey to a large group.

Quick! If you want to make your own lampshade(s) and live anywhere near Bath – sign up! I’ll be tutoring sessions at The Makery on Thurs Nov 17th, 10-1, and Sun 11th Dec, 10-1. All you have to bring is half a metre of your favourite fabric. You choose the diameter and the depth. I provide the materials and the know-how. You’ll skip home admiring your very own lampshade, handmade by you.